Viewing Distance & Font Size

What's the smallest text size you can use?

The smallest text size you can use depends on a number of factors. Mostly, it depends on viewing distance. And for that we have this helpful chart below.

Do remember though that if you start changing colours and fonts then things become a little more complicated. The font size chart below is based on using black Helvetica text on a white background and assumes someone with good eyesight in good light

Viewing Distance

Minimum Text Size

0.6m / 2ft

5pt

1m / 3.3ft

8pt

1.5m / 5ft

13pt

2m / 6.5ft

16pt

3m / 10ft

25pt

5m / 16ft

41pt

10m / 33ft

82pt

15m / 50ft

125pt

50m / 160ft

410pt

60m / 200ft

500pt

200m / 650ft

1640pt

See for yourself

As mentioned the above chart is based on Helvetica and black text. But if you need to see what things look like in different fonts, sizes and colours then take a look at The Print Handbook. It gives examples in a range of fonts, sizes between 2pt & 10pt, and in a range of colours.